Once again two variations of an old theme. Above, love is blind. I like the straightforward drawing here and the bunches of leaves that frame the action. This is my humble homage to Velasquez. This time, Cupid can enjoy the view. Wishing you luck in love, ’til next week, Barry
Charm and seduction vs.war and destruction; opposites inspire art. In black and white, naked Venus easily disarms uptight Mars. In colour Mars reins in his chariot on a cliff as a radiant Venus washes ashore. I see conflict ahead! May you overcome! Barry.
We are back again in the land of pre-human social interaction. This oval composition is another take on last weeks theme. I like the contrast in their expressions. This version is perhaps the simplest looking but the one I am most proud of. From the crazy springiness of the lines to the simple separation of … More Nymph and Satyr : Part II
Nymph and satyrs were the wild, mythic half-human creatures of ancient times. In my childhood, the Greek myths provided a welcome antidote to the strict morality of Sunday school. I have portrayed this scene often…. An early portrayal. I like the curled-up morning-glories in her hair. In the second I’m aiming for Rubens, the Flemish … More Nymph and Satyr
Here are two versions of the same theme painted one after another. In an earlier post we presented Salome dancing. Here we find her enjoying her reward for the dance, the severed head of John the Baptist delivered to her on a platter. Version # 1; I like the speedy application of paint in this … More Salome with the Head of John the Baptist
Some people find the winter dreary but I never mind. Here a red jacket enlivens a scene through the frame of the Gunn St. train bridge. On sunny days our winters can be blindingly bright and colourful. Here the blue footprints of a previous hiker mark the path. You can almost see his … More Winter Walk
I’m proud of this tableau featuring a Royal table laden with meat, drink , music and psychological drama. I guess it’s my mini version of “the last supper”. I give myself a high-five for how the candlelight floods such an active but stable composition. As the little guy in front says,”to your health!”, Barry
Here are two little pictures that share a circus theme and the idea of transient spectacle. Above we see the diminutive circus master, perhaps conveying financial woes to the company. Here we see a reproduction of a painting that has long since been painted over and so no longer exists, reinforcing our theme of transience and … More Little Circus
This week’s blog is dedicated to my daughter Holly, who talked me into starting this blog, designed the website and has always encouraged me to get my artwork to a wider audience. She is studying abroad for six months and will be sorely missed. Strong Women In Greek mythology Medusa was a gorgon who could … More Strong Women
Snow, even with global warming a regular feature of our winter here in London, Ontario. There’s always something magical in the way it falls or how a heavy snow can make the world go so quiet. To paint it requires some tricks and a few false starts. I’ve shot paint off the bristles of a … More Snow
Barry Trower 